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Irina Werning is a freelance photojournalist from Buenos Aires, Argentina who specializes in personal long-term projects. Her journey into the world of photography began in her 30s when she got her first camera. Since then, she has passionately captured stories through her lens.

In 2011, Werning started a photography project "Back to the Future" which focused on recreating old photographs of people in their current lives. The photographer asked her subjects to find old photos of themselves and then replicate the same scene, pose, and clothing as closely as possible. She captured these images side by side, showing the contrast between the past and the present.

"I love old photos. I admit being a nosey photographer. As soon as I step into someone else’s house, I start sniffing for them. Most of us are fascinated by their retro look but to me, it’s imagining how people would feel and look like if they were to reenact them today… In 2011, I decided to actually do this. So, with my camera, I started inviting people to go back to their future," Werning writes on her website.

More info: irinawerning.com | Instagram

We reached out to Werning to learn more about her creative process and herself. "Back to the Future" started in 2011 and gained widespread attention, leading to exhibitions and publications around the world. The photographer shared that it was an exciting project. "I shot 600 pictures in 43 countries. It was like a crash course in fashion, history, culture, anatomy, and the art of making friends."

#2

Rosana, Marcela And Rodrigo, 1982-2012, Rio De Janeiro

Rosana, Marcela And Rodrigo, 1982-2012, Rio De Janeiro

Irina Werning Report

#3

Lukas, 1980-2012, Berlin

Lukas, 1980-2012, Berlin

Irina Werning Report

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Bear Hall
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mommy was training for this recreation picture during the last 30 years so she can still lift him just like that.

Werning told us that the idea for this project struck her while strolling through the streets of Buenos Aires with a friend. "He had tasked me with scanning his mother's wedding negatives, and as we walked, he pointed out the exact spot where one of my favorite pictures had been taken. It was this peculiar accidental shot of his mother beside a trash heap on her way to the church for her wedding. Standing there, I thought, 'What if I recreate this moment? Same location, lighting, and clothes.' Her response? A resounding 'No, thanks.'"

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#5

Duquesa De Alba, 1931-2012, Madrid

Duquesa De Alba, 1931-2012, Madrid

Irina Werning Report

Some pictures require bravery and a desire to revisit old childhood days. Looking at all the shots, we were wondering how Werning found her subjects. The photographer explained, "I used my website as a platform to announce the countries I planned to visit, prompting people to send me their pictures via email."

#7

Snorri, 1991-2012, Reykjavik

Snorri, 1991-2012, Reykjavik

Irina Werning Report

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JM
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

right down to the scuffs on the toes of the shoes - well done!

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Werning shared that she's still in touch with the people she photographed and is waiting for some years to go by to shoot the third picture.

At the moment, the photographer is in the final stages of a long-term project focusing on women with long hair in Latin America. "It’s a story about culture and tradition and the beauty of my country and the whole region." For further exploration of Werning's portfolio, visit her website!

#8

Mechi, 1990-2012, Buenos Aires

Mechi, 1990-2012, Buenos Aires

Irina Werning Report

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#9

Leanne, 1982-2011, New York

Leanne, 1982-2011, New York

Irina Werning Report

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JM
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one is really well done - love the joy on the baby's face!

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#10

Orna And Sharon, 1985-2012, Tel Aviv

Orna And Sharon, 1985-2012, Tel Aviv

Irina Werning Report

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Papa
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Up vote for the pay phone. I haven't seen one of those in years.

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#11

Mickey Mouse, 1989-2012, Disneyland Paris

Mickey Mouse, 1989-2012, Disneyland Paris

Irina Werning Report

#12

Edwin, 1990-2012, Accra

Edwin, 1990-2012, Accra

Irina Werning Report

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Bear Hall
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"It feels like forever, but I still don't get it. Could you explain it one more time?"

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#14

Cristina, 1993-2012, Caracas

Cristina, 1993-2012, Caracas

Irina Werning Report

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Tara Moov
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great job getting all the people in the background to recreate their outfits

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#16

Mazarine, 1976-2012, Paris

Mazarine, 1976-2012, Paris

Irina Werning Report

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JM
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, this one is really spot on! Totally love the facial expressions!

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#17

Carol, 1988-2012, Berlin

Carol, 1988-2012, Berlin

Irina Werning Report

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JM
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the facial expression in the recreation is perfect!

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#19

Ben, 1980-2012, Berlin

Ben, 1980-2012, Berlin

Irina Werning Report

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Lotekguy
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope after 32 years that's just a pose, rather than a normal day at home.

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#20

Devoto, 1990-2011, Buenos Aires

Devoto, 1990-2011, Buenos Aires

Irina Werning Report

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Bear Hall
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like he still hasn't made up his mind about the book. But at least the one on the right is a fan.

#21

Nelhe, 1980-2012, Hamburg

Nelhe, 1980-2012, Hamburg

Irina Werning Report

#22

Shahar And Mor, 1992-2011, Jerusalem

Shahar And Mor, 1992-2011, Jerusalem

Irina Werning Report

#23

Giorgio, 1982-2011, Paris

Giorgio, 1982-2011, Paris

Irina Werning Report

#24

Kristin And Birta, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

Kristin And Birta, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

Irina Werning Report

#25

Rikke, 1972-2011, Copenhagen

Rikke, 1972-2011, Copenhagen

Irina Werning Report

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#26

Vietinghoff Sisters, 1982-2012, Berlin

Vietinghoff Sisters, 1982-2012, Berlin

Irina Werning Report

#28

Ismael And Cindy, 1994-2012, Santiago De Chile

Ismael And Cindy, 1994-2012, Santiago De Chile

Irina Werning Report

#29

Valy, Herdis And Gudny, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

Valy, Herdis And Gudny, 1993-2012, Reykjavik

Irina Werning Report

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Lotekguy
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The angles make it appear that the tower grew more than they did.

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#30

Malu And Simone, 1997-2012, Disneyland Paris

Malu And Simone, 1997-2012, Disneyland Paris

Irina Werning Report

Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

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